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Canine Seborrhea
Canine seborrhea is a very common skin problem in dogs resulting in excessively greasy or dry skin, giving the dog a dry, flaky coat that usually has that
terrible "doggy smell".
Seborrhea is a term that is used for any form of skin disease characterized by dry or greasy, itchy or inflamed skin, which is excessively flaky.
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Why do Dogs with Seborrhea have Flaky Skin?
The flakes that we see on dogs with seborrhea are dead scales (dead skin cells). In a normal dog, the cycle of dead cells being replaced by new skin cells is about 3 weeks. In dogs with seborrhea, however, this cycle is greatly accelerated and takes only a few days. As a result, there is an accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface.
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Types of Canine Seborrhea
Canine seborrhea can be catergorized into three types:
- Seborrhea sicca - "Dry seborrhea" which shows scaliness only.
- Seborrhea oleosa - "Oily seborrhea" which not only shows scaliness but also greasy skin with a distinct odor, due to excessive oil production by the skin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis - Greasy and flaky skin accompanied by inflammation.
Many dogs suffer from a combination of "oily" and "dry" seborrhea.
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Causes of Canine Seborrhea
Depending on the cause, canine seborrhea can be primary idiopathic seborrhea which is hereditary, or secondary seborrhea which is caused by other diseases,
such as:
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Signs of Canine Seborrhea
Besides the typical signs of scaliness, your dog may show some of these symptoms:
- Greasy hair.
- Distinctive odor.
- Skin may appear red (especially when inflammed).
- Ears may be inflamed and have excess secretions.
- Excessive licking and scratching.
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Conventional Treatment for Seborrhea
Secondary seborrhea can be cured by tackling the underlying cause and controlling the symptoms of the skin condition.
Primary seborrhea is very difficult to cure; it can only be controlled.
To manage the symptoms of canine seborrhea, specially medicated shampoos and coat conditioners are used. In addition, topical steroid and antibiotic preparations are used.
The shampoos must be selected according to the type of seborrhea (oily or dry) from which the dog is suffering. These shampoos contain a number of ingredients, such as
benzoyle peroxide, salicyclic acid, refined coal tar, sulfur, urea compounds, and various emollients to add moisture. Clipping or shaving the haircoat is often necessary
so the medicated shampoos can penetrate through the fur to the skin.
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Natural Remedies for Canine Seborrhea
From a holistic point of view, seborrhea, like all other types of skin disorders, has a close relationship with:
- a dog's diet; and
- the immune system of the dog.
If a dog is fed natural, wholesome food and has a strong immune system, she is less
likely to develop skin disorders.
With that in mind, if you have a dog with canine seborrhea, you should pay attention to the following:
Diet with Natural Supplements
Your dog should be fed natural, nutritious, well-balanced food. Natural
supplements such as fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and vitamins (in particular, vitamins A, C, and E) should be given.
An effective supplement formula can be found here:
Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin Coat 10 oz.
It contains fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals needed to maintain your dog's healthy skin and glossy coat.
Use Herbs to Support the Immune System
Immune-boosting herbs such as astragalus or echinacea should be given to your dog to strengthen
immunity. With a strong immune system, skin disorders such as seborrhea can be kept in check.
Use Herbs to Relieve Itching and Inflammation
There are a lot of useful herbs and herbal products that can effectively relieve itching and inflammation. Visit our page on
Itch Relief for Dogs for more information.
A Homeopathic Remedy to Relief Seborrhea Symptoms
It takes time to build up a dog's immune system, especially if the dog has been weakened by extended use of antibiotics.
If you want to give your dog some quick relief from the various symptoms caused by seborrhea while she is building up her immunity by herbs, consider this homeopathic remedy.
HomeoPet Skin and Seborrhea for Dogs and Cats
It contains ingredients such as Arsenicum album (for itch relief), Calcarea and Staphysagria (promotes healing), Graphites (for skin
eruptions), and Sulphur (for dry, flaky skin). It is safe and effective and usually acts rather quickly.
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Related Topic
Dog Skin Irritations
References
D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
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